#thenewscompany : On a night of towering emotion and historic significance, an indelible chapter was written in the legacy of rock and roll, the legendary Ozzy Osbourne, the “Prince of Darkness,” performed his final concert, “Back to the Beginning,” at Villa Park on Saturday, July 5th, 2025. The event saw the iconic frontman deliver a powerful solo set before reuniting with his original Black Sabbath bandmates for their first performance in two decades, marking a poignant end to a career that defined heavy metal.
Ozzy Osbourne, born John Michael Osbourne in Aston, Birmingham, rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential and recognizable figures in music history. His distinctive voice, captivating stage presence, and often wild antics earned him a reputation that transcended genres. But it was with Black Sabbath, formed in Birmingham in 1968, that Ozzy truly forged his legend.
Black Sabbath, with its groundbreaking dark, heavy sound, is universally credited with creating heavy metal. The original lineup of Ozzy Osbourne (vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass), and Bill Ward (drums) pioneered a new sonic landscape that resonated with a generation and influenced countless bands to follow. Their early albums, particularly the self-titled Black Sabbath (1970) and Paranoid (1970), were paradigm shifts. Paranoid notably hit number one in the UK and produced enduring anthems like “Iron Man” and the titular “Paranoid,” which became global chart-toppers. Other influential albums like Master of Reality (1971) and Vol. 4 (1972) further solidified their status as pioneers, tackling themes of war, social chaos, and the supernatural with unprecedented intensity. While their original lineup saw various changes over the decades, the core four remained the undisputed architects of metal.
The “Back to the Beginning” concert was a meticulously orchestrated farewell, a “full stop” as Ozzy’s wife and manager, Sharon Osbourne, described it, given Ozzy’s ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease, which has significantly impacted his mobility. The 76-year-old rock icon, who appeared seated on a formidable black throne adorned with jeweled skulls, opened the show with a five-song solo set, including beloved tracks like “I Don’t Know,” “Mr. Crowley,” “Suicide Solution,” “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” and “Crazy Train.” His vocals, despite his physical challenges, were remarkably strong, resonating with the 40,000-strong crowd.
The atmosphere in Villa Park was electric, a pilgrimage for metalheads from around the globe. Produced by Live Nation, the all-day event was hosted by American actor Jason Momoa, a known metal enthusiast. The lineup leading up to Ozzy and Black Sabbath’s grand finale was a who’s who of heavy music, a testament to Black Sabbath’s enduring influence. Performances by titans like Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Lamb of God, and Anthrax set the stage, with many acts paying homage by covering Black Sabbath classics. The concert also featured a spectacular “supergroup” of musicians, including Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins), K.K. Downing (Judas Priest), Jake E. Lee (Ozzy Osbourne), Nuno Bettencourt (Extreme), Sammy Hagar (Van Halen), and Steven Tyler (Aerosmith), who delivered blistering performances throughout the day. Even pre-recorded tributes from legends like Elton John, Dolly Parton, and AC/DC highlighted the widespread respect for Ozzy and Black Sabbath.
The true highlight, however, was the highly anticipated reunion of the original Black Sabbath lineup. Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward joined Ozzy on stage for the first time since 2005, playing four iconic Sabbath songs: “War Pigs,” “Black Sabbath,” “Iron Man,” and a thunderous “Paranoid” to close out the night. The emotional weight of the moment was palpable, with Ozzy expressing profound gratitude to the roaring crowd: “You have no idea how I feel. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
This concert is remarkable in rock history for several reasons. It served as a heartfelt final bow for Ozzy Osbourne, a man whose journey from working-class Birmingham to global rock icon is a story of unparalleled resilience and passion. More importantly, it marked the final live performance of the original Black Sabbath, the band that birthed a genre and fundamentally altered the trajectory of popular music. Their sound provided a “safe haven” for many, as Jason Momoa noted, influencing generations of musicians and fans. The charity aspect, with all profits shared equally between Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice, added another layer of significance to this already historic occasion.
As fireworks exploded and confetti rained down on a jubilant crowd, the “Prince of Darkness” bid his final, heartfelt goodnight. “Back to the Beginning” was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of a legacy, a testament to the enduring power of heavy metal, and an emotional farewell to a band and a frontman who truly changed the world of music.
Image : Ross Halfin Photography
